-->Buttiglione regrets slur on gays

The controversial incoming EU Justice Commissioner, Rocco Buttiglione, has voiced regret over damaging comments he made about homosexuals and women.
"I deeply regret the difficulties and problems that have arisen", the Italian said in a letter to Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Mr Buttiglione is reported to have relinquished powers concerning discrimination and sexual harassment.

MEPs have threatened to veto the whole 25-member Commission over the row.

Pressure on Barroso

Despite Mr Buttiglione's letter, the leader of the Socialist group in the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, insisted that Mr Barroso reallocate the commissioner portfolios.


"My group is demanding a reshuffle of the commissioners," he said.

During a confirmation hearing two weeks ago, Mr Buttiglione said he regarded homosexuality as a"sin", and that marriage existed to allow women to have children and the protection of a male.


The new commission will be absolutely opposed to any kind of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs

Jose Manuel Barroso
EU Commission President

He was also reported as having said single mothers were not very good people.